Inspirational, entertaining, and absolutely awards-caliber (from first-time director Karasawa), Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me offers up an indelible and rare experience in cinematic form—it’s simply an absolute treat to be able to spend this much intimate time with such a legendary lady.

At 88, after nearly seven decades in show business, Ms. Stritch is sharp, funny, brittle, caustic, demanding, exaggerated, critical (especially of herself) and infuriating. She is also elaborately unique and awesomely brilliant.

This is a must-see for anyone who loves theater, acting and especially individuals like Elaine Stritch unafraid to bare their souls — so all of us can gain more insight into the complicated essence of the human condition.

She’s a diva — she knows it, we know it, the director knows it — but over the years Stritch seems to have learned that the only way to deal with that is honestly. So she’s a paradox: a diva with no illusions about herself.

Thanks to remarkable access to her subject, and a refusal to turn away during even the most personal moments, Karasawa has made something deeper: a portrait of Stritch just as the aging process is beginning to punch holes in her concrete dam of a personality.

The kind of movie fans will be quoting for the rest of their lives, Shoot Me, from director-producer Chiemi Karasawa, is as much a playdate as portrait, a jumble of salty highlights attesting to the pleasure of her company.

Periodically deviating from its fly-on-the-wall aesthetic, the film does a noticeably better job than the Joan Rivers movie of incorporating old footage and photos to underscore its subject’s importance.

I’m not sure that anybody coming to this film to witness her for the first time would necessarily pledge eternal allegiance. Still, she’s sui generis, and in the theatre world, as in life (yes, there is an overlap), that counts for a lot.

Director Chiemi Karasawa is on her best footing when she deals with Stritch not as a Broadway icon and occasional film and TV star, but rather as a woman approaching 90 and holding on thanks to lack of filtering and an indomitable will to perform.

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me is one of those showbiz docs that’s not exactly pleasurable but offers a penetrating glimpse — sometimes too penetrating — into what it means to eat, drink, and be contrary in the public sphere.

All this is interesting, or interesting enough, depending on how you feel about Elaine Stritch. If you're a particular fan, this documentary is a must-see. But for everyone else, a little of Elaine's personality goes a long way.

As hilarious and brutally honest, just as the woman herself--a tribute not to be missed. You'll laugh, of course, but you'll also cry and seeAs hilarious and brutally honest, just as the woman herself--a tribute not to be missed. You'll laugh, of course, but you'll also cry and see behind-the-scenes of Stritch's smile, voice and fruitful career.…Full Review »

If you love brassy Broadway legend Elaine Stritch, you'll enjoy this opportunity to spend 80 minutes with her. Sure, we hear from some of herIf you love brassy Broadway legend Elaine Stritch, you'll enjoy this opportunity to spend 80 minutes with her. Sure, we hear from some of her friends and get glimpses of her early years, but this doc spends most of its time with her: watching her prepare and perform her one-woman show, dealing with her diabetes and listening to her muse about life, aging and the impending. She's as funny and ferocious as ever, but this offers poignant glimpses into the fragile woman underneath. She also sings! (Stay all the way thru the credits, because she just can't stop.)…Full Review »

Elaine Stritch has been the actress entertainer of one's dreams for almost seven decades. This portrait is both a profile in courage and aElaine Stritch has been the actress entertainer of one's dreams for almost seven decades. This portrait is both a profile in courage and a great show. Funny, brassy, irreverent, she is the real deal. Lookout, Leroy, this is one feisty dame. If it comes anywhere near you, don't miss it.…Full Review »